From the Connections Coordinator - On Community Care, Identity, and Enjoying One’s Own Company
This month’s theme of Growth and Wisdom tangibly resonates with me as I continue to process my past month plus a little more. On March 17th, I drove toward Asheville to attend the annual Finding Our Way Home conference for BIPOC religious professionals of the UU tradition (more on this transformative experience later). Upon returning the following week, I tested positive for COVID and subsequently spent a little over two weeks quarantining in my apartment, the longest amount of time I may have ever spent alone.
Once I accepted the reality that I would have to cancel some eagerly anticipated plans–including the installation of Rev. Susan, which I joyfully watched via livestream–and once I overcame the first several days when my Covid symptoms were most severe, I noticed an unanticipatedly healing slowness and ability to enjoy and be present prompted by this singular focus on getting better. Without social events to go to, I enjoyed my own company while reading books. I enjoyed the dynamic weather, the sunlight streaming through windows, and the budding flowers and trees outside. I made peace with noisy neighbors and delighted in their happiness. I took time by myself. I rested. I thought about who I am. I developed a tenacious determination to get well. I learned to clean and wash dishes without unneeded stress—I just did it. I did my taxes without worrying too much. I eventually felt that, though life will not be perfect, if we stay with it in the present and enjoy what we can, we can make the most of it.
A large part of my ability to truly rest was also facilitated by the incredible community of caring and generous individuals in Bloomington. Many friends, from UUCB and elsewhere, stopped by with food, my prescriptions, and other supplies while I was sick. Allowing the care of others into my life during those few weeks reminded me that life can be so much gentler, more supportive, and more intertwined than our culture might so often lead us to believe. Whereas I often feel the need to prioritize my survival, if I only allow the generosity of the community of which I am a part to care when care is needed, I can relax and remember what it is to enjoy, to take time, and to therefore allow myself to get well.
I think this community care is so essential. And I don’t think it juxtaposes with one’s ability to be alone. I wonder if, maybe, when we support the wellbeing of others, it gives those people the space to be more fully present and grounded. I certainly experienced this at Finding our Way Home. Amidst the frustration and anxiety of this moment in history, this conference felt like a pilgrimage to a holy place, and indeed it was! Surrounded each day by over a hundred and twenty religious professionals sharing the lived experience of being people of color, a great many of whom were ministers or who work for the UUA, was a truly supportive, affirming, and communal experience. I remarked to folks that I had rarely been in spaces with people who shared so much in common with me, from our line of work to our shared values and lived experiences. The palpable care and dedication in this space–as well as the workshops, talks, and services held–reinvigorated my resonance with Unitarian Universalism and my conviction in the impact that it has on society. I left the conference feeling much more grounded amidst the chaos of the moment, despite coming down with Covid.
To tie things together, connecting with my BIPOC identity–and increasingly thinking about my queer identity as well–and engaging with the receiving end of community care allowed me the space and time to connect with myself in a more authentic and present way. I hope to be more intentional about how much time I spend alone or with others, how much of that time with others is spent in affirming environments that resonate, and what I can do to best support others through community care.
Thanks for reading through my month’s journey with me!
Membership and Orientation Classes
New to UU: May 11, 2025
If you are newly attending UUCB, I hope you will join me to learn more about Unitarian Universalist values, our ongoing and current activities, engage in an (optional) building tour, and have the chance to get to know others visiting. I will answer folks’ questions, along with a volunteer who will share about our numerous opportunities to engage with social justice in the community. This class is approximately 45-minutes and occurs at 10:30am between services. All are invited with no registration necessary. Please feel free to email with any questions to connect@uubloomington.org. Those unable to attend or interested in further discussion are welcome to schedule an in-person or virtual Connections Chat with me during the week.
Exploring UUCB Membership Class: May 4 and 18, 2025 (sign up here!)
For those looking to dive a bit deeper, the Exploring UUCB course, also known as the Membership Class, is upcoming on May 4th and 18th. This two-day course is a prerequisite to joining official membership at UUCB and is also an excellent learning opportunity for those newer congregants to build upon the condensed information presented in the New to UU class. We cover UUCB and UU history, the topics of ministry, governance, and membership, current activities and involvement opportunities, UU values, and so much more. Participants have the opportunity to sign the Membership Book, officially marking their affinity to Unitarian Universalism and commitment to this community. It is an engaging class with long-time members as facilitators and guest speakers and an opportunity for meaningful connection amongst participants. Whether you are hoping to become a member, looking to learn more about this community, or both, I welcome you to sign up. This two-day class occurs 3-4 times a year. So, if you are unable to make this spring offering, keep an eye out for upcoming dates. Please register HERE or reach out to me for more information at connect@uubloomington.org.
